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The Fonthill Branch was originally opened in the 1980s and has continued to expand services to meet the growing needs of the community. Since the branch's opening, there have been limited upgrades to the building. There are three areas of improvement that have been highlighted that would enable the branch to continue to offer services for the residents of the area into the future.
There are three updates that the library would like to undertake to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA standards) and ensure the library is accessible for staff and all community members. AODA standards must be met by 2025, as set out by the Province of Ontario.
The requested improvements include the following:
Accessible public access to the lower level of the library
As library collections and services expanded, the lower level has been used only by limited staff and for storage
The lower level is currently only accessed by stairs and has no windows, variable heating or restroom
Space in the lower level could be repurposed to allow more program and meeting space
Additional dedicated staff areas on the lower level would expand public access spaces on the main level
Accessible library shelving
Library shelving to meet the accessibility standards
Flexible shelving that can adapt to changing program needs
Accessible restroom facilities
Renovated restroom facilities will meet the AODA standards determined by the province
Costs for proposed changes have been reviewed, and grant applications have been submitted to cover a portion of the cost required for the updates. To proceed with the next step of the renovation project, a designer has been awarded the contract through a request for proposal format to create a re-design of the Fonthill Branch. Ward 99 Architects has begun the review process and will be working with the Town of Pelham, LPPL and the community to create a design that supports the operations and aspirations of the library now and into the future.
Community feedback will be part of the design process – follow the project for updates and opportunities to be part of writing the next chapter...
The Fonthill Branch was originally opened in the 1980s and has continued to expand services to meet the growing needs of the community. Since the branch's opening, there have been limited upgrades to the building. There are three areas of improvement that have been highlighted that would enable the branch to continue to offer services for the residents of the area into the future.
There are three updates that the library would like to undertake to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA standards) and ensure the library is accessible for staff and all community members. AODA standards must be met by 2025, as set out by the Province of Ontario.
The requested improvements include the following:
Accessible public access to the lower level of the library
As library collections and services expanded, the lower level has been used only by limited staff and for storage
The lower level is currently only accessed by stairs and has no windows, variable heating or restroom
Space in the lower level could be repurposed to allow more program and meeting space
Additional dedicated staff areas on the lower level would expand public access spaces on the main level
Accessible library shelving
Library shelving to meet the accessibility standards
Flexible shelving that can adapt to changing program needs
Accessible restroom facilities
Renovated restroom facilities will meet the AODA standards determined by the province
Costs for proposed changes have been reviewed, and grant applications have been submitted to cover a portion of the cost required for the updates. To proceed with the next step of the renovation project, a designer has been awarded the contract through a request for proposal format to create a re-design of the Fonthill Branch. Ward 99 Architects has begun the review process and will be working with the Town of Pelham, LPPL and the community to create a design that supports the operations and aspirations of the library now and into the future.
Community feedback will be part of the design process – follow the project for updates and opportunities to be part of writing the next chapter...
Fonthill Branch Timeline - Writing the next chapter...
1980s Fonthill Library Branch Opens
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
AODA sets standards for public buildings for 2025
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
2005 - The AODA passed into law with unanimous support from all three political parties. This legislation started Ontario on a journey to create an accessible province within 20 years.
Pelham Community Centre Concept with Library is Reviewed
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
Community Centre Planning 2016-18 - The first design concept of the community centre had an accommodation for a library. However, the library branch was removed from the design due to cost-saving measures.
The community centre was opened in 2018 and was named the Meridian Community Centre (MCC).
Application to the Green and Inclusive Communities Building Fund - New Construction Stream
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
June 2021 - The Town of Pelham applied for this grant to build a new 18,000 sq ft library at the Meridian Community Centre. The grant request was $5.4 Million, which was 60% of the project cost.
Lincoln Pelham Public Library Merger
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
April 2022 - The Lincoln Pelham Public Library began operations as one system – with its shared staffing complement providing services and resources throughout the Lincoln and Pelham area.
Restructuring the organization enabled the new library system to spend more on front line staffing and initiatives and less on administration.
Green and Inclusive Communities Building Fund New Construction Stream Awarded
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
June 2022 - On June 3, 2022, the Town of Pelham received funding approval in the amount of $5.4 Million from the GICB fund. At the time of the grant submission the cost for the new library addition was $9.5 million.
Council defers the building of a new library branch
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
December 2022 - In 1.5 years since the Green and Inclusive Communities New Construction application was submitted for grant approval, the cost of construction increased by 82% to $17.3 Million from $9.5 Million. Due to these inflationary costs, the Council makes the decision to defer the new library project until additional funding options can be explored.
Application to the Green and Inclusive Communities Building Fund Retrofit Stream
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
February 2023 - The Town of Pelham applies for a $2,396,031.04 Green and Inclusive Communities Building Fund Retrofit Stream grant from Infrastructure Canada to support AODA compliant renovations of the Fonthill Library Branch.
In February 2024, the Town was notified that the application for the grant was not selected as a project that would be funded.
Future of Fonthill Branch in the Town of Pelham Strategic Plan
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
2023 - The Town of Pelham council establishes the strategic plan to guide the decision-making and work to be done in Pelham over the next four years. In the plan, five areas of strategic focus were established, including the area of Infrastructure Investment and Renewal, which includes the future of the Fonthill Branch.
Request for Proposal - Design for the Fonthill Branch
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
Request for proposals for the design for the renovated Fonthill Branch were provided and the project was awarded to Ward 99 Architects.
Application to the Enabling Accessibility Fund Mid-Sized Project Stream Grant
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch has finished this stage
December 2023 - The Town of Pelham applies for a $2,008,480 Enabling Accessibility Fund Mid-Sized Project Stream grant from Employment and Social Development Canada to support AODA-compliant renovations at the Fonthill Library Branch.
This grant application is still under consideration by the funder.
Application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Stream
The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch is currently at this stage
February 2024 - The Town of Pelham submits an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grants Stream to support the purchase of AODA-compliant accessible shelving at the Fonthill Library Branch.
Community consultation for design of future Fonthill Branch
this is an upcoming stage for The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch
Fonthill Branch renovation project begins
this is an upcoming stage for The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch
Renovated Fonthill Branch opens to the public
this is an upcoming stage for The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch
h was originally opened in the 1980s and has continued to expand services to meet the growing needs of the community. Since the branch's opening, there have been limited upgrades to the building. There are three areas of improvement that have been highlighted that would enable the branch to continue to offer services for the residents of the area into the future.